In what initially appeared to be a move that directly opposed the efforts of state legislation recently passed in the Virginias, CMS is allowing the use of copay accumulators but only in situations in which a generic drug is available. Luckily for our cancer patients, this should largely not affect them (as copay cards are generally only available on brands without a generic). Alas, more legislation will be needed to protect patients in all 50 states and around the world.
“All eligible patients with ovarian cancer deserve informed counseling regarding the pros and cons of maintenance therapy, and the option of maintenance treatment in these regulatory approved settings.” This article from the Oncologist provides and nice summary and valuable insight into the current state of affairs for ovarian cancer patients. Free-registration link here The Oncologist-2019-Randall-theoncologist.2019-0020
A US Senate Finance Committee hearing on drug pricing focused on addressing the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in determining cost to patients. NCODA notes that the Executives from these companies dodged key questions around their policies’ impact on cancer patients. We will continue to support state legislation that increases transparency with the PBMs and passes savings to patients. read more
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2019
Cazenovia, NY – The National Community Oncology Dispensing Association, Inc. (NCODA)is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to the Executive Council. Randy Erickson, RN, BSN, MBA, James Gilmore, PharmD, and Kirollos Hanna, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP joined the Council in March.
Randy Erickson currently serves as Chief Executive Officer at Utah Cancer Specialists in Salt Lake City, UT. He is a skilled healthcare professional with over 20 years of clinical experience. In his current role as CEO, Randy helps set the strategic course for the practice. Utah Cancer Specialists is the largest community-based oncology and hematology treatment practice in Utah, with physicians providing medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, and imaging services. ”Cancer care has become increasingly complex and with more oral therapies available, providing high quality care to our patients has never been more important. The overall patient experience is enhanced when physicians are able to dispense these medications within their own practices. NCODA is the perfect partner in helping practices improve pharmacy operations and enhance patient care,” said Randy.
James Gilmore is the Executive Vice President at Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS). GCS is a national leader in advanced cancer treatment and research. Their 50 physicians provide care in 26 Northside Hospital Cancer Institute locations across Metro Atlanta, and North and Central Georgia. ”I am very honored to serve on the Executive Council of NCODA. It has become one of the most important organizations in the oncology space. I look forward to helping NCODA to continue to grow and to ensure that our patients have access to live-saving therapies for years to come”, said Gilmore.
Kirollos Hanna is board certified by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties in Oncology Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. He primarily practices Hematology/Oncology pharmacy at the University of Minnesota Medical Center and Mayo Clinic. ”It is an honor and privilege to serve patients through NCODA. The rapid growths in oral oncology therapeutics and practices have created large gaps in optimizing care and streamlining dispensing. As a firm believer in the NCODA mission of a patient-centered, medically-integrated dispensing model, I will continue to advocate for patients and best-practice initiatives”, said Hanna. Kirollos is an active member in NCODA committees and initiatives. He serves on the advisory board for the Treatment Support Kit (TSK) initiative, he is editor for the Positive Quality Intervention (PQI) initiative, he is serves on the oral chemotherapy education (OCE) steering committee, and he also serves as part of the editorial board for NCODA’s publication, Oncolytics Today.
“Over the last month we have added three highly skilled and well-respected oncology professionals to our Executive Council!” said Jim Schwartz, NCODA President and Executive Council Chair. “Randy, James, and Kirollos are well positioned to help us continue executing on our mission.”
For more information about NCODA’s Executive Council and general updates visit ncoda.org
See the Full Press Release HERE
Virginia just became the first state in the nation to pass laws to protect patients by blocking copay accumulators. NCODA applauds this effort to lower drug costs for patients and increase access to anti-cancer medications. We will continue to watch and support these efforts as they gain more support across the country. Read more
Passion for Patients
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